Three Vermont high schools are working with a TV actor to film public service announcements about addiction.
Tuesday, a class of juniors and seniors at Middlebury High School heard from a recovering heroin addict about her years abusing drugs. It's a story that's all too common. The students are documenting the stories of addicts, first responders and more as part of the program H.E.L.P, Heroin Epidemic Learning Program.
It's the brainchild of “House of Cards” actor Jeremy Holm, who lives in Vergennes with his family. H.E.L.P. is currently in three area high schools.
“We're giving the students all the information we can from first-person experience,” Holm said.
The roughly 40 students will break off into groups, charged with the task of creating a 30-second PSA about the epidemic.
“They're pretty courageous in their questions. They aren't afraid of getting to the heart of the matter, so I'm really excited to see what kind of public service announcements they create,” Holm said.
It's a hands-on approach to teaching kids about the impacts of heroin and addiction.
“Everyone in here has some sort of connection to the epidemic,” teacher Chris Parizo said.
Armed with that connection and the powerful stories organizers hope it's a message that will stick with the younger generation.
In April, H.E.L.P will choose the best PSA to air on TV. The teacher of that class says the use of technology kids are already used to is a great way to help them retain the information. Organizers hope to expand the program to more schools in the future.

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. —

Three Vermont high schools are working with a TV actor to film public service announcements about addiction.

Tuesday, a class of juniors and seniors at Middlebury High School heard from a recovering heroin addict about her years abusing drugs. It's a story that's all too common. The students are documenting the stories of addicts, first responders and more as part of the program H.E.L.P, Heroin Epidemic Learning Program.

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It's the brainchild of “House of Cards” actor Jeremy Holm, who lives in Vergennes with his family. H.E.L.P. is currently in three area high schools.

“We're giving the students all the information we can from first-person experience,” Holm said.

The roughly 40 students will break off into groups, charged with the task of creating a 30-second PSA about the epidemic.

“They're pretty courageous in their questions. They aren't afraid of getting to the heart of the matter, so I'm really excited to see what kind of public service announcements they create,” Holm said.

It's a hands-on approach to teaching kids about the impacts of heroin and addiction.

“Everyone in here has some sort of connection to the epidemic,” teacher Chris Parizo said.

Armed with that connection and the powerful stories organizers hope it's a message that will stick with the younger generation.

In April, H.E.L.P will choose the best PSA to air on TV. The teacher of that class says the use of technology kids are already used to is a great way to help them retain the information. Organizers hope to expand the program to more schools in the future.